Soldier from Spring Hill found dead in Texas

SPRING HILL — Police are investigating the death of a 27-year-old soldier from Spring Hill whose body was found early Monday morning behind a store in Killeen, Texas.

Sgt. Derek Peter Schicchi died from an apparent gunshot wound, according to a release from Fort Hood, where he was stationed. The incident remains under investigation, but there was no evidence of foul play, said Detective Terry Kaiser of the Killeen Police Department.

The Army said Schicchi joined the military in February 2003 as a track vehicle repairer. He was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, since July 2007.

Schicchi deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2007 to January 2008 and January 2009 to January 2010.

Schicchi's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Bronze Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon.